Purchase either Canon Optura 10 or Sony DCR-TRV80!?

[spoliquin]

Hi. I have two questions here. My hobbie is movie-making, and I want a digital video camera that is good quality (especially outside). I don't want it too expensive- my budget its within 1000$. However, I want it to last, be good quality, be able to transfer to a PC via firewire, and have good sound. I am thinking about either the sony DCR-TRV80 and the Canon Optura 10. Does anybody recomend either?

Also, if I bought the Canon Optura 10 MiniDV Camcorder, the only thing that would hold me back would be that I have read a few reviews and it is said that the sound from the tape motor inside sounds on the video. I was wondering if this was true, and if it is, could it be prevented by a big microphone that attaches to the accessory shoe?

Thanks

[tag]

For one thing, you're comparing a camcorder with a 3.5" LCD (TRV80) to one with a 2.5" LCD (Optura 10).

I don't know if that's a major issue here but why not compare camcorders that have the same size LCD (e.g. TRV70 to Optura 10 OR TRV80 to Optura 20)????

[spoliquin]

OK, I know it is a Digital8, but how about the Sony DCRTRV460?

[phuocle]

If your budget is $1,000 or less, why not give the Canon Optura Xi a try? There's a currently a $200 rebate on this camera and with prices starting at $1,100, your total will be under your budget. Pick one up at Amazon.com.

I have this particular model and I can tell you that I do not hear any motor noise on my videos at all.

Good luck.

[FulciLives]

For well under $1,000 you can get the Panasonic PV-GS200 which is a 3 CCD miniDV camcorder.

Sounds like a steal to me at that price point but no I don't have it myself so I cannot comment on how well it really performs.

Please note that the Panasonic PV-GS120 is nearly identical but missing a couple of key features that the only very slightly more expensive PV-GS200 has so I would spend the $50 to $100 more for the PV-GS200

I did download the PDF manual from Panasonic that covers both models (since they are so similar) and it sounds like a sweet camcorder at a sweet price.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

P.S.
As I recall the big step-up feature to me was that the PV-GS200 has a real manual focus ring whereas the PV-GS120 does not! With the PV-GS120 you have to use a menu to manual focus which is just plain silly.

*** EDIT ***
I just took a look with PRICEGRABBER.COM and the lowest price for the Panasonic PV-GS200 was $719.00 which is an amazing price for a 3 CCD miniDV camcorder!

[FulciLives]

OK, I know it is a Digital8, but how about the Sony DCRTRV460?

A very nice Digital8 camcorders and from comments I've read of real world users people seem to really like it BUT it does not have a MIC input which is a BIG blunder if you ask me.

Also I am UNSURE if it has a real manual focus ring or if the manual focus has to be done within a MENU which unforutnately is a common feature on cheaper camcorders and a real waste if you ask me!

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[vandakeg]

I shoot weddings/special events, where I use three Sony PD-150s... but my personal use camera. and the one that got me started, is a Sony TRV740, which you could probably find on eBay for about $500 now ($950 when I bought it!).
This camcorder blows me away w/ the quality I can get from a 1 CCD camera, granted it is a 1 megapixel CCD, which helps, but the quality is amazing for a budget camera. I actually had to use it for an outdoor wedding once, b/c they wanted a 3 camera shoot, and at the time I only had 2 PD-150s. Long story short, it was a bright sunshiney day, and you could tell no difference in picture quality b/w the 150s and the 740.
It has all the options available at the time (memory stick capture of still pics, manual focus ring on lens, mpeg movie mode captured right to memory stick, usb streaming, etc..)
If you can find one of these, I can personally guarantee you won't be dissapointed. They later released the TRV840, which is the same camera, but w/ a 3.5" LCD... one of those would be a great camera too.
Hope that helps.

[vandakeg]

BTW, there is NO quality difference b/w Digital8 and Mini-DV. It is the EXACT same technology, just different sized tapes.

[spoliquin]

Thank you sooooo much for all of your help. It makes a huge difference. Thanks!

-Sam

[FulciLives]

Thank you sooooo much for all of your help. It makes a huge difference. Thanks!

-Sam

So did you buy a new camcorder and if so what model?

If you haven't purchased yet have you at least finally decided on the model you want to get and if so which one?

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[spoliquin]

no not yet, but I'm thinking about the optura 10. I am probably gonna order it by the end of this month.

[spoliquin]

Actually I spoke too soon. Probably the Panasonic PV-GS120. I think I am going to get that because it gets good reviews, has a 3CCD lense thing which is great, and it is affordable for me.

[Sam Ontario]

Judging from my 3 past failed Canon Hi8 Camcorders, I guess you made a good decision.

[FulciLives]

Actually I spoke too soon. Probably the Panasonic PV-GS120. I think I am going to get that because it gets good reviews, has a 3CCD lense thing which is great, and it is affordable for me.

I'd go the extra $50 or so for the PV-GS200 which adds the real rack manual focus ring.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman